One of the often-repeated mantras is Solution Correlation does not equal causationis a quip that expresses the logical fallacy that events or statistics that happen to coincide with each other are causally related. The reality is that cause and effect can be indirect, or due toconfounding variables, and so the assumption of causation is false when the only evidence available is simple correlation. The form of fallacy that it addresses is known as post hoc, ergo propter hoc or \"affirming the consequent.\".